WHO discussion in Hyderabad examines family and social drivers of skin-lightening

Researchers and health experts discussed how social norms and access shape skin-lightening practices, alongside the health risks of mercury-containing cosmetics.

A discussion on colourism took place at Goethe-Zentrum in Hyderabad on October 7 as part of “Complexion of Change: Challenging Colorism Through Policy, Art, and Science.” The programme also screened a documentary on global skin-colour bias and the association of lighter skin with status, beauty and success.

Ammaarah Martinus, a behavioural insights consultant at the World Health Organization, said skin-lightening product use is shaped by psychological, cultural and environmental factors. These can include wanting to look fairer or younger, family and community influences, and whether products are easy to obtain. Citing behavioural research, she said people were more likely to use such products when a sibling did.

Psychologist and researcher Bharti Upparu said children absorb messages about skin colour from an early age by observing who is praised, teased or bullied. Such learned biases can affect perceptions of a person’s character and abilities. Participants also noted that pressure to meet lighter-skin beauty standards affects men as well as women.

The discussion addressed the risks of mercury in cosmetics. Monika Stankiewicz, executive secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, said mercury-containing products can damage skin and contaminate homes, potentially exposing other household members. WHO identifies mercury exposure as a cause of nervous-system and kidney damage, while the Minamata Convention provides for measures to phase out mercury-added cosmetics. Speakers said responses should combine regulation with public education and efforts to change social norms.